
There was also a greater range, from 152.4dB to 164.5dB, representing 12 dB difference, or more than 10 time as much acoustic energy for the top end of the pistol spectrum. Krammer adds that sound pressure levels for the various pistols and ammunition tested yielded an average mean of 157.5 dB, which is greater than those previously shown for shotgun and rifle noise levels.

This is approximately 14dB beyond the threshold of pain, and more than sufficient to cause acoustic trauma. Krammer continues to say that shotgun noise averaged slightly more that 150dB. Table-1-SHOTGUN-NOISE-DATA-DECIBEL-AVERAGES. Krammer, Ph.D., Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana has documented the following pressure levels.

357 magnum pistol, which can expose a shooter to 165 dB for 2msec, is equivalent to over 40 hours in a noisy workplace.ĭr. Louis, the damage caused by one shot from a. senior research scientist in charge of the NOISE LABORATORY at the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Keep in mind that conversational speech is approximately 60-65 dB, and the threshold of pain is considered to be 140 dB.Īccording to Dr. Use this chart as a reference guide for promoting the need of using adequate hearing protection.

With the introduction of MUZZLE BRAKES and PORTING, the risks of hearing loss dramatically increase.
Decibel measurement for subsonic 556 ammo download#
Download Gunfire Noise Level Flyer–PDF (154k).īelow we have listed critical data describing peak sound pressure levels produced by firearms used in shooting and hunting sports.Ī serious byproduct of this exposure is sensory-neural hearing loss, which cannot be restored to normal.
